Vergil Ortiz has long been regarded as one of boxing’s best young stars. At 26, though, it's time to drop ‘young.’ He’s simply one of the best fighters in the world, period.
Ortiz fought the fight of his life against the best opponent he’s faced by far, scoring a unanimous decision over Israil Madrimov to retain the interim WBC super welterweight title.
Ortiz won by scores of 115-113 twice and 117-111, delivering a master class in the white-hot spotlight of the super card in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. I had it 116-112 for Ortiz.
“This was expected,” Ortiz said. “I knew I was the better fighter, all respect to Madrimov. We knew what kind of fight it was going to be. He’s a tough opponent. He was there to win, to prove himself after a loss against [Terence Crawford], one of the best in the world. We just want to show we’re the best at 154.”
Ortiz did an efficient job of making exactly that point. He threw more, landed more and connected on the harder shots.
Whatever was called for in the moment, Ortiz was up to the task. When Madrimov was winging punches that could have dropped a small grizzly, Ortiz moved his head, his upper body and used his feet to avoid being hurt.
When he needed to step up the attack, he mixed his shots, throwing jabs, hooks, uppercuts and crosses in a masterful performance that proved why so many have been so high on him for so long.
Madrimov got off quickly and reddened Ortiz’s face by peppering him with combinations. Ortiz showed his chops by adjusting as needed and putting together a comprehensive performance that elicited memories of some of the division's all-time best.
Ortiz remained patient and didn’t let himself fall into old habits. He has such a love for the fight that he’ll sometimes forget the plan and stand flat-footed and unload.
Against a quality opponent like Madrimov, who was using his legs excellently, he knew that would be a mistake.
“[I had to] stay patient and not overthrow,” Ortiz said. “It’s something I’ve learned over my years in boxing. I often put everything into one punch, but I knew I was going to be smart.”
He didn’t just establish himself among the super welterweight greats. He made it clear he belongs in any conversation about the world’s best, regardless of weight.
Matt Richardson/Matchroom
Vergil Ortiz celebrates aftere his unanimous decision victory Saturday over Israil Madrimov.